Lesson 4563

(Lesson 4564)(08-01-24) John 16:1-12 

  These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Jesus continued to prepare His disciples for the time when He would no longer be physically present with them. He warned them about the persecution they would face from those who thought they were serving God by opposing those who truly followed Him. Jesus told them these things in advance so that they wouldn't be caught off guard or lose faith when the persecution began. He explained that He was going to the Father, and although the disciples were filled with sorrow, it was actually beneficial for them that He left. That is because His departure would allow the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to come. The Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Jesus said that He had many more things to tell them, but that they would not yet understand them. ~